Have you ever posed the question of what the difference is between an alcoholic and a binge drinker to yourself? You are not the only one. Of the over 70 million people worldwide who suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD), the difference between those patterns of problem drinking that respond to early treatment and intervention and those that do not should not be underestimated.
In Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions, we were in the process of providing evidence-based care and education for the persons and families who should be aware of the symptoms of alcohol abuse, whether chronic alcoholism or destructive binge drinking.
Understanding the Spectrum of Problem Drinking.
Alcohol abuse is a continuum. However, it is important to understand if you are somewhere in the middle or if someone you know is somewhere in the middle to properly support him when necessary.
The Three Main Categories:
- Social/Moderate Drinking-Low risk drinking
- Binge Drinking: Heavy Episode Drinking
- Alcoholism (Alcohol use disorder) is a physical and psychological addiction.
What is Binge Drinking?
Definition:
Binge drinking is a drinking pattern whereby the blood alcohol content (BAC) is raised to 0.08 percent or greater in a span of 2 hours.
How Much is Binge Drinking?
For Men:
- 5 or more drinks in about 2 hours
For Women:
- 4 or more drinks in about 2 hours
Well-known aspects of the Binge Drinkers:
✓ Ritual: Binge drinking (weekends, occasions)
✓ Frequency: Can get incredibly drunk after one week or after one month.
✓ Control: Was able to work weeks or days without alcoholic beverages.
Some examples are: “No withdrawal phenomena” – “Dependence: non-existent”
Verbs: Ten Commandments Checklist 10 Ten
Commandments Checklist 10 Troubadours: My brother in France, author of a song about love: “I want/ Become my clothes. Inspirations: sometimes social, sometimes/ Holiday or drunk.”
Recurring episodes of Binge Drinking:
- College parties
- Sporting events
- Nightclub outings
- Holiday celebrations
- “Pre-gaming” before events
What is Alcoholism (Alcohol Use Disorder)?
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a permanent brain disorder that is acquired as a result of compulsive drinking, regardless of self-destructiveness, loss of control over drinking alcohol, and physical dependency.
The most significant characteristics of Alcoholics are the following:
- x Pattern Every day and often daily.
- Drinks most often or everyday – yes (check the box)
- Control: Once established, it can never be prevented from happening. Control is not possible.
- ✓ Dependence: Withdrawal symptoms are experienced.
- ✓ Motivation: Drink to become normal or not to withdraw.
- Clinical Diagnosis Criteria (DSM-5):
- Over the last twelve months, the AUD patient has shown two or more out of the following:
- Increased rate of alcohol consumption than expected.
- Desire to reduce, cannot.
- Ordering excess time to take/under the influence of alcohol/recuperate.
- Associations with pain in order to drink.
- Inability to cope with such grave school, occupation and family duties.
In addition, continuance is due to the existence of social/interpersonal problems.
- Stopping the needed activities to have a drink.
- Use in physically hazardous environments.
- Patience in the presence of physical/psychological problems.
- Tolerance (need greater exertion)
- Withdrawal symptoms are experienced when quitting.
Alcoholic vs. Binge Drinker: Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | Alcoholic (Alcohol Use Disorder) | Binge Drinker |
Definition | Chronic, compulsive dependence on alcohol | Episodic heavy drinking in a short period |
Frequency | Daily or near-daily drinking | Occasional, often social or weekend use |
Tolerance | High tolerance; needs more to feel effects | May develop tolerance over time |
Withdrawal | Experiences physical withdrawal (tremors, seizures, delirium) | Rarely experiences withdrawal |
Loss of Control | Cannot stop drinking despite consequences | May intend to stop but loses control during binges |
Diagnosis | Clinically diagnosed as AUD (DSM-5 criteria) | Not always a disorder, but a risky behavior |
Long-Term Risks | Liver disease, brain damage, addiction | Increased risk of accidents, alcohol poisoning, future AUD |
AUD is diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria, which state that a person needs to show two or more of the following diagnostic criteria during a period of 12 months:
- Craving alcohol
- Inability to cut down
- Too much time wasted drinking or recuperating.
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Drinking alcohol when he or she has social or physical problems with drinking.
- Developing tolerance
- Results in withdrawal symptoms
AUD can be mild or extreme and if the condition is severe, a medical detox and long-term treatment will be necessary.
Is a Binge Drinker at Risk of Becoming an Alcoholic?
Yes, and without wasting as much time as you may think is needed.
Repeat the binge drinking to change the brain reward system so that the brain develops a tolerance and addiction to alcohol. Over time, drinking a couple of drinks a day turns into daily drinking, addiction, and pure alcoholism.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 1 out of 6 adults in the U. S. binge drinks at least once a week and many of them do not know that they have taken a path towards addiction.
Health Risks: Short-Term vs. Long-Term
Risk | Binge Drinker | Alcoholic |
Alcohol Poisoning | High risk during episodes | Possible, especially with tolerance |
Liver Damage | Unlikely short-term, possible long-term | Common (fatty liver, cirrhosis) |
Mental Health | Increased anxiety, depression after binges | Chronic depression, cognitive decline |
Relationship Issues | Sporadic arguments, regret | Ongoing conflict, isolation |
Legal Problems | DUIs, public intoxication | Repeated offenses, job loss |
Warning Signs: When to Get Help
For Binge Drinkers:
🚨 Seek help if you:
- Binge drink 3+ times per month
- Experience blackouts
- Take part in unsafe action whilst intoxicated.
- Experience drinking/drinking problems in legal/relationships.
- Sort of; you feel like you need to binge to have fun.
- Would like to quit but it is hard to control sessions.
For Potential Alcoholics:
🚨 Seek immediate help if you:
- Use daily or as required to perform his or her duties.
- Shakes up withdrawal symptoms (shaking/sweating/ anxiety)
- To drink before others is a shameful thing.
- Avoid duties due to alcoholism
- To go, no matter what the severe consequences may be.
- Once you start you can’t stop
How to Know if You or a Loved One Needs Help
The following are questions to ask yourself:
- Yes, do you consume excessive quantities of drinks?
- Verified: Have you tried to quit but with no success?
- Yes (or no) Do you have any withdrawal symptoms (shaking, nausea, or anxiety)?
- Does alcohol impair work, school or relations? YES – No – What does it mean?
Do you suffer from a lot of binge drinking? (tick if yes)
When you respond with yes to two or more, that may mean that you are dealing with alcohol use disorder and not binge drinking.
Although this is not an alcoholic, binge drinking is a warning sign. The long damage can be prevented through early intervention.
Treatment Options at Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions
At Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions, we are focused on customized, empathetic care when it comes to alcohol dependence as well as harmful drinking habits.
We have evidence-based programs that are:
- Medical Detoxification – Safe major medical withdrawal care.
- Inpatient Rehab/Outpatient Rehab – The right program for you if it works for you.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Address the Core Reasons for Drinking.
- Family Counseling – Repair Torn Veils and Create Structures.
- Aftercare Planning – how to avoid relapse by care.
Take Action Today: Your Recovery Starts Here
Whether you’re having problems with binge drinking or alecphobism, help is provided.
There is no discrimination between abuse of alcohol. Everyone is susceptible to it; everyone, its impact can be fatal, but things can be saved.
- Call us now and consult with us in secret.
- Our admission personnel is 24/7.
- Verified free of cost and totally anonymous evaluation.
- Check to see whether you are insured.
✅ Start your retreat to health.
Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions will be dedicated to delivering evidence-based alcohol use disorder treatment in compassion with all of the individuals at the respective levels of alcohol use disorder treatment.
- You do not need to do this by yourself. We’re here to help.
- Address us now, where we know more about our programs.
- Say hello to an admissions specialist.
- Open your custom-made treatment plan.
- Recovery is possible. Your new life begins now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you be a binge drinker and not an alcoholic?
Yes. Many people binge drink occasionally without developing physical dependence. However, binge drinking significantly increases alcoholism risk.
How many binge drinking episodes make you an alcoholic?
Frequency alone doesn’t determine alcoholism. However, regular binge drinking (weekly or more) is a strong indicator of developing alcohol use disorder.
Do all alcoholics binge drink?
Not necessarily. Some alcoholics maintain steady drinking throughout the day rather than bingeing in sessions.
Can you recover from binge drinking without treatment?
If caught early and you’re not dependent, lifestyle changes and support groups may help. However, a professional assessment is recommended.
Is medication used to treat alcohol problems?
Yes. FDA-approved medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram can help reduce cravings and support recovery.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment duration varies: detox (3-7 days), residential (30-90 days), outpatient (3-6 months or longer).
Does insurance cover alcohol treatment?
Most insurance plans cover addiction treatment. Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions works with most major providers.
Additional Resources:
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (Free, confidential, 24/7)
- FindTreatment.gov: https://findtreatment.gov
- Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.aa.org
- SMART Recovery: https://www.smartrecovery.org
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment of alcohol use disorders.
